Police arrest alleged gang member on New Year's Eve after pursuit across Route 9

Lauren Sievert

Published
12:00 am EST, Thursday, January 3, 2013

MIDDLETOWN >> A city man was arrested after allegedly leading police on a chase on foot across a highway and having assault weapons in a car.

Christopher Huff, 27, 11 Johnson St., was charged with possession of an assault weapon, two counts of criminal possession of a pistol or revolver, two counts of having weapons in a vehicle, two counts of illegal carrying of a firearm while under the influence, interfering with an officer, assault on an officer, and carrying a pistol without a permit for the incident on Jan. 1.

According to police reports an officer on patrol saw a Toyota driving onto Route 9 south on Dec. 31 about 11:42 p.m., and reported that the driver of the vehicle misused a turn signal and was traveling unreasonably fast. When police pulled the car over the officer identified the passenger as Huff and reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car. The driver allegedly said he accidently signaled the wrong direction and that he and the passenger were "headed to the casino."

When asked about the smell of marijuana, the driver allegedly said he "smoked earlier" and denied having anything illegal in the car.

Police reported Huff is a known "Blood" gang member with a felony history including having weapons in a vehicle and drug-related charges.

Police, including backup officers who arrived on the scene after the vehicle stop, asked Huff if he had any marijuana on him, and Huff allegedly said he "smoked it." Police conducted a pat down search of Huff, and as they prepared to handcuff him, Huff allegedly ran into oncoming traffic on Route 9.

Police reported Huff led officers on a dangerous foot pursuit on Route 9, with Huff eventually jumping over barriers and falling down a steep ledge. Huff then allegedly rolled down the hill into a pile of rocks, jumped over a stream and scaled a metal wire fence. The chase ended when officers caught up with Huff behind a home on Westridge Lane. Huff allegedly punched an officer in the face and resisted efforts to arrest him. He was eventually handcuffed and taken into custody.

The driver, identified as Michael Farmer, escaped from custody and a warrant is pending for his arrest. Officers attempted to place Farmer under arrest, but police reported Farmer "dove over the Route 9 guardrail" and was running near homes on Westridge Lane, but the officer broke off the chase to assist with apprehending Huff.

A K-9 search was conducted for Farmer, but they were unable to find him. Police said Farmer is allegedly a member of the Ruthless for Life biker gang.

One of the officers went to Middlesex Hospital for treatment for his injuries, which he sustained while struggling to handcuff Huff.

When they searched the car, police found a loaded .45 caliber Hi-Point pistol in the center console, and a TEC-DC9 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol in the trunk. The semi-automatic pistol is classified as an assault weapon and is prohibited from possession in Connecticut. The TEC-9 was found with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 36 9mm rounds and a second 21 9mm round magazine was found in the trunk. Police seized all weapons and ammunition.

Police also found $504 on Farmer before he fled, and $555 was found on Huff. Huff allegedly said the $555 was given to him by a relative for a present to go to the casino.

Huff is a known narcotics dealer, according to the city's Street Crime unit. Huff was taken to Middlesex Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained when he fled, then brought to Middletown Superior Court on Jan. 2 for his arraignment.

In court on Wednesday Judge David Gold set bond for $350,000. Gold cited the information alleged in the police report, Huff's criminal history as well as the fact that he has four pending cases as the reason for the bond amount. Huff is due back in court on Jan. 23. According to statements from the bail commissioner, Huff has a felony history that dates back to 2005 and includes convictions for possession of narcotics as well as having weapons in a vehicle. Attorney Justin Freeman will represent Huff. Freeman said the weapons were found in a car where Huff was only a passenger and cited the fact that there is an outstanding warrant for Farmer.